Summary about Disease
Kleptomania is a mental health disorder characterized by a recurrent urge to steal items that one generally doesn't need and that usually have little monetary value. It is classified as an impulse control disorder, meaning the individual has difficulty resisting the urge to perform actions that are harmful to themselves or others. Kleptomania is distinct from ordinary shoplifting, which is usually motivated by need, greed, or defiance. Kleptomania is a rare condition.
Symptoms
Recurrent, powerful urges to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value.
Feeling tension, anxiety, or arousal leading up to the theft.
Feeling pleasure, relief, or gratification while stealing.
Feeling guilty, remorseful, self-loathing, or ashamed after the theft.
Returning the stolen items or secretly placing them back.
Fear of getting arrested.
The urges and stealing occur spontaneously, without planning or assistance from others.
Causes
The exact cause of kleptomania is not fully understood. However, several factors are believed to play a role:
Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in brain chemicals, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, may contribute to the disorder. Serotonin helps regulate moods and emotions; dopamine controls pleasure, and endorphins act as pain relievers and euphoriants.
Brain Abnormalities: Some research suggests that differences in brain structure or function, particularly in areas related to impulse control and reward, may be associated with kleptomania.
Family History: There may be a genetic predisposition to kleptomania, as it tends to occur more frequently in individuals with a family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, or other impulse control disorders.
Co-occurring mental health conditions: Kleptomania often occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Learned Behavior: In some cases, kleptomania may develop as a learned behavior, possibly triggered by a traumatic event or a period of stress.
Medicine Used
Medication can be prescribed to help manage the urges and symptoms associated with Kleptomania. The use of medication will depend on the individual and the advice of a professional doctor.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Antidepressants that can help regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
Other Antidepressants: Other types of antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may also be used.
Mood Stabilizers: Medications typically used to treat bipolar disorder can help stabilize mood and reduce impulsivity.
Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that can help reduce the pleasurable effects of stealing.
Anti-anxiety medications: Used if anxiety is a component of the kleptomania.
Is Communicable
Kleptomania is not communicable. It is a mental health disorder, not an infectious disease.
Precautions
Because Kleptomania is a mental health disorder, there are no precautions you can take to avoid it. If you find yourself struggling with these urges, seek support from a mental health professional. If you notice a friend or family member is exhibiting symtoms of Kleptomania, gently encourage them to seek professional help.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of kleptomania "outbreaks" or periods of increased stealing behavior varies significantly from person to person. Kleptomania is a chronic condition, meaning it can persist for many years. The frequency and intensity of the urges can fluctuate over time. Some individuals may experience periods of remission where they have little to no urge to steal, while others may have more frequent and intense urges.
How is it diagnosed?
Kleptomania is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The evaluation typically involves the following:
Interview: The mental health professional will ask questions about the individual's symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to stealing.
Diagnostic Criteria: The professional will use the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if the individual meets the criteria for kleptomania.
Differential Diagnosis: The professional will consider other possible causes of the stealing behavior, such as shoplifting, antisocial personality disorder, or other mental health conditions.
Psychological Assessments: In some cases, the professional may use psychological tests or questionnaires to gather additional information about the individual's symptoms and functioning.
Medical History: The professional may inquire about the individual's medical history, including any medications they are taking, to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the stealing behavior.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary widely. Some may experience:
Early childhood traumas, like stress
Increased tension prior to the theft, followed by a feeling of pleasure, relief, or gratification during the act, and then guilt, remorse, or shame afterward.
Symptoms can be episodic, with periods of increased stealing behavior followed by periods of remission.
Important Considerations
Stigma: Kleptomania is often misunderstood and stigmatized, which can make it difficult for individuals to seek help.
Co-occurring disorders: Kleptomania often occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. These co-occurring disorders need to be addressed in treatment.
Legal consequences: Stealing, even if driven by kleptomania, can have legal consequences.
Treatment Adherence: Treatment for kleptomania can be challenging, and adherence to treatment is essential for successful outcomes.
Support Systems: Having a strong support system of family, friends, or support groups can be helpful in managing kleptomania.
Professional Help: Treatment for Kleptomania can involve a combination of therapies and medication. It's imperative to work with a medical professional.